EP3400600B1 - Transport arrangement - Google Patents

Description

• einen Innenbehälter, vorzugsweise mit zumindest einer eine Stirnfläche des Innenbehälters überragenden Schürze,
• einen Außenbehälter, der den Innenbehälter aufnimmt und
• eine Verdrehsicherungseinrichtung, mittels der die Behälter gegen ein Verdrehen zueinander um deren Längsachse verriegelbar sind.

The invention relates to a transport arrangement, in particular for the transport of uranium hexafluoride, comprising

• an inner container, preferably with at least one apron protruding from an end face of the inner container,
• an outer container that receives the inner container and
• an anti-rotation device by means of which the containers can be locked against rotation relative to one another about their longitudinal axis.

Transport arrangements, in particular for the transport of uranium hexafluoride, with the inner container and the outer container surrounding it are, for example, from the WO 2013/134384 A1 or the EP 2 335 251 B1 refer to.

A generic arrangement is the EP 0 777 238 A1 refer to. In order to prevent the inner container from rotating relative to the outer container, the transport arrangement has an anti-rotation device in the form of a band-shaped element, which is embedded in the inside of the outer container and has the shape of a semicircle. The ends of the anti-rotation device are connected to the apron of the inner container.

In general, the invention relates to an anti-twist device for containers to prevent rotation of the containers, both under normal conditions of transport and under conditions of accident. A corresponding rotation about the longitudinal axes of the containers relative to one another can occur in particular when the volume of the inner container is only partially filled. This can result in a rotational moment, in particular when an impact occurs in such a way that the center of gravity of the inner container does not run vertically above the point of impact.

In particular, the invention relates to an anti-rotation device for containers for the transport of uranium hexafluoride, which prevents rotation of the inner container loaded with UF ₆ , such as 30B cylinders, relative to the outer protective packaging under the normal and accident transportation conditions to be assumed. Under transport conditions (solid state), the UF ₆ in the inner container is largely in the lower half of the container, which is only about 60% full by volume. Thus, a rotational moment can occur in lateral cases, since the center of gravity of the inner container is not vertically above the point of impact.

Uranium hexafluoride is usually transported in cylindrical steel containers. These containers are specified in ISO 7195 "Packaging of Uranium Hexafluoride (UF ₆ ) for Transport" or in ANSI N14.1 "Uranium Hexafluoride - Packaging for Transport". When transported, these containers must meet the requirements of the SSR-6 "Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material" of the IAEA and the requirements of the international and national regulations derived from them. Steel container for uranium hexafluoride with an accumulation of more than 1 wt. % Uranium-235 in uranium are surrounded by a protective container during transport that is intended to comply with the above regulations. Steel containers, protective containers and the contents consisting of uranium hexafluoride form the package in the sense of the regulations.

For containers containing uranium hexafluoride with an enrichment of more than 1% by weight, but not more than 5% by weight of uranium-235 in uranium, according to the in point 1. bis The tests described in point 3 do not touch the valve or the stopper of any other component of the protective packaging or the inner container - except for the original attachment point.

1. 1. Eine Freifallprüfung aus einer Höhe, die von der Masse des Versandstücks abhängt (z. B. 1,2 m für eine Masse des Versandstücks bis 5000 kg) auf ein unnachgiebiges Fundament.
2. 2. Ein Fall aus 9 m Höhe auf ein unnachgiebiges Fundament.
3. 3. Ein Fall aus 1 m Höhe auf einen Stahlzylinder mit einem Durchmesser von 150 mm und einer Mindestlänge von 200 mm.

The following tests must be carried out on the same package:

1. 1. A free fall test from a height that depends on the mass of the package (eg 1.2 m for a mass of the package up to 5000 kg) on an unyielding foundation.
2. 2. A fall from a height of 9 m onto an unyielding foundation.
3. 3. A fall from a height of 1 m onto a steel cylinder with a diameter of 150 mm and a minimum length of 200 mm.

In order to protect the valve, it is known that a valve protection is integrated in the protective packaging, such as the EP 2 335 251 B1 can be seen. However, effective protection is basically only provided if the valve remains in the 12 o'clock position during and after the aforementioned test conditions. If the inner container is rotated, the valve could hit the valve guard.

A stopper in the 6 o'clock position is located opposite the valve. At the corresponding point in the protective packaging, a metal pot is welded in, which creates sufficient space for relative movement of the stopper and protective packaging in order to avoid contact between the stopper and protective packaging. However, this safety feature is only effective if the stopper remains in the 6 o'clock position. If the inner container were to rotate, there would not be sufficient space for relative movements between the stopper and the protective container in order to protect the latter from contact with the protective container.

Protective packaging of inner containers currently used for the transport of UF ₆ are the types UX-30, MST-30 and COG-OP-30B. Only the MST-30 type has an anti-rotation lock (approval J / 159 / AF-96 (Rev. 2)).

The MST-30 anti-twist device consists of a curved flat iron, which is hinged on one side to the flange of the lower shell of the protective packaging attached and has a welded pin on the other side, which engages in one of the two holes in the apron of the 30B cylinder. Since the holes in the apron of the 30B cylinder are made at 3 a.m. and 9 a.m., the cylinder must be rotated 30 ° to be able to insert the pin into the bore. Since the cylinder is always stored and handled with the valve in the 12 o'clock position, this rotation (the cylinder has a mass of around 3000 kg when loaded) is associated with increased effort and potentially a hazard to the operator.

The object of the present invention is to develop an arrangement of the type described above in such a way that anti-rotation protection is ensured with structurally simple measures. According to a further aspect, there should also be the possibility that it can be determined without complex control measures whether the anti-rotation device is in its operative position.

The anti-rotation device according to the invention is intended to prevent rotary movements of the inner container when mechanical loads occur under transport and accident conditions. Safe, economical and low-maintenance operation should be made possible. The operation should be made possible by one person without the need for tools.

• ein in einer ersten Aufnahme und in deren Längsrichtung axial verstellbares Verriegelungselement,
• eine drehbar die erste Aufnahme aufnehmende zweite Aufnahme, die ortsfest mit einem der Behälter verbunden ist,
• eine von der ersten Aufnahme ausgehende und von der zweiten Aufnahme quer bzw. senkrecht zu deren Längsachse radial geführte Handhabe, deren Schwenkbewegung über die erste Aufnahme das axiale Verstellen des Verriegelungselementes zum Eingreifen in den anderen Behälter oder zum Inausgriffgelangen von diesem umsetzbar ist.

According to the invention, one or more of the previously listed aspects is solved by the arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset in that the anti-rotation device comprises

• a locking element axially adjustable in a first receptacle and in the longitudinal direction thereof,
• a second receptacle rotatably receiving the first receptacle, which is connected in a fixed position to one of the containers
• a handle extending from the first receptacle and guided radially or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the second receptacle, the pivoting movement of which can be implemented via the first receptacle to axially adjust the locking element for engaging in the other container or for disengaging it.

In particular, it is provided that the anti-rotation device starts from the outer container, which preferably consists of two shells lying on one another in one plane.

The invention preferably provides that the first receptacle has a hollow cylindrical shape with at least one helical opening extending in the axial direction, i.e. in the longitudinal direction thereof, which is penetrated by at least one projection extending from the locking element, the projection extending in a longitudinal direction second recess engaging recess. This ensures that when the first receptacle rotates, the locking element, which is preferably designed as a bolt, is axially displaceable and thus engages with the other container, in particular the inner container, preferably with its apron, in engagement or can be removed therefrom.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the second receptacle has a radially extending second opening which is penetrated by the handle originating from the first receptacle. The second opening runs in a plane running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second receptacle and preferably extends over an arc length π .

The handle can be pivoted without any problems, whereby the resulting synchronous movement of the first receptacle, such as the sleeve, means that the at least one helical opening in the first receptacle is penetrated by the bolt extending from the locking element, such as a dowel pin, and engages in the longitudinal recess , like groove, an axial adjustment of the locking element to the first and second receptacle takes place in the second receptacle. A pivoting of the handle and thus the first receptacle to the fixedly arranged second receptacle and the accompanying axial adjustment of the locking element can be carried out by one person without the need for additional aids.

In particular, it is provided that there are two helically extending first openings in the longitudinal direction of the first receptacle, with a projection, such as a dowel pin, extending from the locking element engaging in each of the first openings.

In a further development of the invention to be emphasized, it is provided in an arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the outer container, that is to say the protective packaging, consists of two shells which lie on one another when the inner container is properly enclosed, that the handle can be positioned in a locking position and in an unlocking position that in the locking position of the outer container, the inner container is properly enclosed by the shells lying on top of one another, and that in the unlocking position the shells are spaced apart from one another in the area of the handle. The latter means that the outer container, i.e. the trays cannot be closed properly and the transport unit cannot be used.

In order to implement a corresponding securing, the invention provides in particular that two support elements for the handle start from one of the shells, the handle being able to be supported or placed on one of these in the unlocking or locking position, that of the other Shell starts a counter element assigned to one of the support elements, with the outer container properly closing the inner container, the distance between the counter element and the associated support element is smaller than the effective extension of the handle between them.

In this way it is ensured that when the handle rests on the support element in which the locking element is in engagement with the inner container, it is not possible to close the outer container, since the required distance between the support element and counter element ensures proper closure the outer container allows, due to the existing between these handle is not accessible; because, when properly closed, the gap between the support element and the counter element is smaller than the effective extension of the handle between them.

However, if the handle is supported on the support element to which the counter element is not assigned, the outer container can be closed. This ensures in a simple manner that the outer container can only be closed when the outer container is locked to the inner container, that is to say the desired security against rotation is ensured.

Further details, advantages and features of the invention result not only from the claims, the features to be extracted from them — individually and / or in combination — but also from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment that can be found in the drawing.

Fig. 1

einen Behälter,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Verdrehsicherung,

Fig. 3

eine Vorderansicht der Verdrehsicherung gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie A-A in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine Prinzipdarstellung eines Behälters in horizontaler Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 6

einen Längsschnitt durch die Verdrehsicherung gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie B-B in Fig. 6,

Fig. 8

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie C-C in Fig. 6 und

Fig. 9

die Verdrehsicherung gemäß der Fig. 6 bis 8 in Innen- und Außenbehälter des Behälters verriegelnder Stellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a container,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of an anti-rotation device,

Fig. 3

a front view of the anti-rotation device according to Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

a section along the line AA in Fig. 3 .

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a container in a horizontal sectional view,

Fig. 6

a longitudinal section through the anti-rotation according Fig. 2 .

Fig. 7

a section along the line BB in Fig. 6 .

Fig. 8

a section along the line CC in Fig. 6 and

Fig. 9

the anti-rotation device according to the 6 to 8 Locking position in the inner and outer container of the container.

The figures show schematic representations of a transport arrangement with an anti-rotation device, by means of which rotation between an inner container 10 and a protective packaging to be designated as an outer container 12 is secured in such a way that rotation or rotation of the inner container 10 relative to the outer container 12 is prevented, so that Damage to components of the inner container 10 such as valve or plug are excluded. The anti-rotation device acts both under normal transport conditions and under accident transport conditions, so that too an impact of the outer container 12 outside the 6 o'clock position would not lead to rotation.

The Fig. 1 and 5 Principle representations of the inner container 10, which in particular contains or contains uranium hexafluoride, and the outer container 12 can be seen, which consists of two shells 14, 16 which, when the outer container 12 is assembled, lie one on top of the other in one plane that runs horizontally.

Like the horizontal cut Fig. 5 can be seen, the inner container 10 has aprons 18, 20 which protrude above the end faces 22, 24 of the inner container 10. In the exemplary embodiment, two anti-rotation devices 26, 28, which emanate from the lower shell 16, engage in the in the transport position Fig. 5 Apron 18 shown on the right to prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis 15 of the unit inner container 10 - outer container 12 relative to one another.

It can be seen from the drawings that the anti-rotation device 26, 28 has a locking element, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a bolt 30 and is axially displaceable in an inner sleeve 32 having a hollow cylindrical shape. The sleeve 32 can be referred to as the first receptacle, which is rotatably received by a second receptacle 34, which in turn is fixedly connected to the lower shell 16 of the outer container 12. The second receptacle 34, which likewise has a hollow cylinder geometry in the exemplary embodiment, is based on a holder 36 which is connected to the lower shell 16.

A handle 38, which in the exemplary embodiment has a rod geometry, starts from the first receptacle 32, without the teaching of the invention being restricted thereby. The handle 38, hereinafter referred to as the handle, passes through a radial opening 40 in the second receptacle 34 or sleeve, which can have an arc length of π . The opening 40 consequently runs in a plane which crosswise or perpendicularly intersects the longitudinal axis 31 of the anti-rotation device 26, 28 and thus the longitudinal axis of both the inner sleeve 32 and the outer sleeve 34.

Like the sectional view of the Fig. 8 illustrates, from the bolt 30 protrusions such as dowel pins 42, 44, diametrically opposite from the outer surface of the bolt 30 protrude. The dowel pins 42, 44 pass through helically extending openings 46, 47 in the axial direction of the first receptacle or inner sleeve 32 in order to engage in depressions such as grooves 48, 50 extending in the axial direction of the second receptacle or sleeve 34.

Due to the helical openings 46, 47 in the first receptacle 32 and the penetration of these from the radially projecting projections or dowel pins 42, 44 of the bolt 30 and the engagement of these in the axially extending depressions such as grooves 48, 50 in the inner surface of the second receptacle 34, the bolt 30 is axially adjusted when the first receptacle 32 is pivoted by means of the handle 38. The rotational movement of the first receptacle 32 is accordingly converted into an axial adjustment of the bolt 30. The rotary movement displaces the dowel pins 42, 44 along the axial grooves 48, 50 in order to lock or unlock the lower shell 16 with the inner container 10. A locking position are in Fig. 5 reproduced in principle in the upper representation and an unlocking position in the lower representation.

In a narrow space, the possibility is created to achieve an axial movement of the locking element 30, which is designed as a bolt in the exemplary embodiment, by rotating the handle 38 without interrupting the peripheral edge present in the lower shell 16, which in turn serves as a sealing surface against splash water. This arises in principle from the Fig. 1 ,

The handling of the anti-rotation device - exclusive rotation movement, low torque, no additional tools are required - is very user-friendly. In the storage position, the inner container 10 can be loaded into the protective packaging, that is to say into the lower shell 16 of the outer container 12, or removed therefrom without having to be rotated.

However, there is a further advantage on the basis of the teaching according to the invention. If the anti-rotation lock is not locked, this prevents the upper shell 14 from being connected to the lower shell 16, as is shown in FIG Fig. 2 and 9 to be explained.

It is thus provided that two support elements or supports 52, 54 extend from the lower shell 16, which are arranged on opposite sides of the anti-rotation device and are connected to the holder 36 in the exemplary embodiment. The surfaces of the supports 52, 54 lie in a plane which runs parallel to the position of the handle 38 in the respective end position, as can be seen in principle from the figures.

A counter element or counter bearing 56 is associated with the bearing 54 and extends from the upper shell 14. When the lower and upper shells 14, 16 are assembled, the distance between the support 54 and the counter bearing 56 is smaller than the effective transverse extent of the handle between the lower and upper shells 14, 16, that is to say in the exemplary embodiment the diameter of the handle 38.

The counter bearing 56 is assigned to the support 54, on which the handle 38 rests when the bolt 30 does not engage in the apron 18, but is in the unlocked position. If an attempt were made in this position to close the outer container 12, that is to say to connect the lower and upper shells 14, 16, the shells 14, 16 would not be able to be placed properly on one another, since the handle 38 is located between the support 54 and the counter-support 56 would.

In the locking position, that is, when the bolt 30 engages in the apron 18 and thus the desired locking takes place between the inner container 10 and the lower shell 16, the handle is on the support 52, so that the lower and upper shell 14, 16 are properly aligned can be placed, since supports 54 and counter bearings 56 can be aligned with one another to the required extent; because the gap 38 is not the handle 38. Thus, the upper shell 14 can be placed on the lower shell 16 and the closures of the upper and lower shells 14, 16 can be properly locked.

The anti-rotation device according to the invention ensures that protective elements of the inner container 10 positioned in the outer packaging 12, that is to say in the protective packaging, maintain their function under normal conditions and accident transport conditions and do not become ineffective due to a rotation of the inner container 10 or can damage components of the inner container 10 , The anti-rotation device is designed so that the protective packaging, that is to say the outer container, is closed 12 is not possible if the anti-rotation device does not properly lock the inner and outer containers 10, 12. As a result, transport is only possible with a properly locking anti-rotation device.

The following should be noted regarding the dimensions and materials of the anti-rotation device.

Stainless steel is the preferred material for the components.

The locking element 30, that is to say the bolt, can have a length between 60 and 95 mm and a diameter of 40 to 60 mm. Correspondingly, the diameter of the first receptacle 32, i.e. the first sleeve, is adapted, i.e. the diameter can be between 50 and 75 mm. The length should be between 60 and 95 mm, with a wall thickness between 4 and 10 mm being preferred.

The second receptacle or sleeve 34 should accordingly have a diameter between 65 and 90 mm and a length between 60 and 95 mm. The wall thickness can be between 4 and 8 mm.

Regarding the axially extending grooves 48, 50, it should be noted that their width should be between 5 and 10 mm at a depth between 2 and 5 mm.

The helically extending through opening or opening 46, 47 should have a width between 5 and 15 mm.

Claims (8)

1. An arrangement for transporting in particular uranium hexafluoride, comprising:

   - an inner container (10), preferably having at least one apron (18, 20) projecting beyond an end face (22, 24) of the inner container,

   - an outer container (12), which receives the inner container, and

   - a twist prevention device, by means of which the containers can be locked together to prevent them from twisting about their longitudinal axes (15);

   characterized in that the twist prevention device comprises:

   - a locking element (30) that is axially adjustable in a first receptacle (32) and in that receptacle's longitudinal direction,

   - a second receptacle (34) that rotatably receives the first receptacle and is fixedly connected to one of the containers (10, 12), and

   - a handle (38) that extends from the first receptacle and is radially guided by the second receptacle, the pivoting movement of said handle (38) being convertible via the first receptacle into the axial adjustment of the locking element for engagement in the other container (12, 10) or disengagement therefrom.
2. The arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first receptacle (32) includes a hollow cylinder shape with at least one helical opening (46, 47) in axial direction, wherein said opening is penetrated by at least one protrusion (42, 44) extending from the locking element (30), wherein the protrusion (42, 44) engages with a recess (48, 50) extending in the longitudinal direction of the second receptacle.
3. The arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second receptacle (34) comprises a second opening (40) extending radially, which is penetrated by the handle (38) extending from the first receptacle (32).
4. The arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (30) for preventing the twisting of the containers (10, 12) interacts with the apron (18) of the inner container (10)
5. The arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two helical first openings (46) are provided in the longitudinal direction of the first receptacle (32), wherein protrusions (42, 44) extending from the locking element (30) engage with each of the first openings like an adjusting pin.
6. The arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer container (12) consists of two shells (14, 16) that are joined and can be locked when the inner container (10) is properly enclosed, characterized in that the handle (38) can be positioned in a locking position and in an unlocking position, wherein the shells (14, 16) of the outer container (12) are joined in the locking position of the handle, such that the outer container (12) properly surrounds the inner container (10), and wherein the shells are positioned at a distance from each other in the area of the handle when the same is in the unlocking position.
7. The arrangement according to at least Claim 6, characterized in that two support elements (52, 54) for the handle (38) extend from one of the shells (16) of the outer container (12), and in that a counter element (56) associated with one of the support elements (54) extends from the other shell (14), wherein the distance between the counter element and the associated support element is smaller than the effective extent of the handle between these two elements when the outer container is properly closed.
8. The arrangement according to Claim 7, characterized in that the handle (38) extends along the support element (54), which is associated with the counter clement (56), when the containers (10, 12) are unlocked.

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